The Field Guide
Backyard Fire Safety Checklist
A simple before, during, and after check for a better night around the fire.
Before you light
- Check local fire rules, weather conditions, and any active burn bans.
- Follow your fire pit maker’s placement and surface-clearance directions.
- Keep generous clearance from buildings, fences, low branches, and anything that can catch fire.
- Use the specified heat barrier and never light a wood fire in an enclosed space.
- Set stable seats and a clear walking path; leave the downwind side open.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water, or other suitable extinguishing supply within reach.
Build and tend safely
- Burn dry, seasoned firewood; avoid damp or green wood that smokes heavily.
- Use pine and other spark-prone softwoods sparingly, mainly as kindling.
- Choose one adult fire tender at a time and never leave the fire unattended.
- Keep children a giant step back from the ring and keep blankets and chairs clear of sparks.
- Add one manageable log at a time; do not burn trash or unknown materials.
- Move seats when smoke shifts instead of crowding or reaching across the fire.
Put the fire to bed
- Stop adding logs early enough for the fire to burn down before the night ends.
- Spread the remaining coals, slowly add water, and stir thoroughly.
- Repeat the water-and-stir cycle until no heat, steam, or glow remains.
- Confirm the pit is cool enough to touch; never bury hot coals or leave warm ash unattended.
- Check the pit once more before everyone goes inside.
Real Fire. Real People. — fireside.waldenbackyards.com